Randi Belec
AKWESASNE – A bill has been proposed by U.S. representative John Katko that calls for a security study of border between the U.S. and Canada. Katko has previously stated that his colleagues fear the border in Akwesasne will be used to smuggle terrorists into the U.S. from this border.
The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) has not been consulted by Katko or his colleagues in this security matter. The MCA is willing to share the numerous border security plans and projects that are underway regarding the border. There have been many high level meetings in Washington as well as Ottawa with U.S., Canadian, and Mohawk officials, to maintain and improve border security.
“Mr. Katko’s bill appears to be purely political, and any sincere concern regarding security would have first been addressed with the U.S., Canadian and Akwesasne authorities that are already tasked with increasing border security,” the council explains in a news release.
This is not the first time Akwesasne has been accused of being a security threat. After the 9/11 tragedy Akwesasne was accused of being the route terrorist took to gain entry into the U.S. That information was falsely reported, and still has a negative impact on the community’s reputation.
“Mr. Katko’s bill is reflective of his lack of true understanding of the Canadian-U.S. border,” says the council “and the amount of border security work that has already transpired and continues to be conducted on a daily basis with all major parties involved,” the MCA stated.
The MCA cautions the public to review the bill H.R. 455 carefully, and to be aware of the political propaganda. The council is prepared to meet with American and Canadian officials to further discuss border security, as previous collaborations have been positive for all parties.
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